Spicy Maple Baked Beans

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Spicy Maple Baked Beans are the perfect fusion of sweet and spicy, bringing warmth and flavor to any meal. This dish combines the rich sweetness of maple syrup with a gentle heat from jalapeños, making it a standout addition to your table.

Ingredients for Spicy Maple Baked Beans

Navy beans are the backbone of this dish, providing a creamy texture that absorbs the flavors beautifully. Olive oil helps sauté the vegetables, adding a subtle richness. The onion and garlic build the aromatic base, while the jalapeño pepper brings a kick of heat. The star, pure maple syrup, adds depth and sweetness that balances the spices. Tomato paste gives a tangy, umami richness, with apple cider vinegar adding a touch of acidity. Dijon mustard offers a mild sharpness, and smoked paprika imparts a smoky layer. Finally, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper season the dish to perfection.

Tips & Tricks

  • Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
  • Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño to suit your taste.
  • Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution.

Serving Suggestions

Spicy Maple Baked Beans pair wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak. They're also fantastic next to cornbread or served over a bed of rice for a hearty vegetarian meal. For a fresh contrast, serve with a crisp green salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned beans instead of dry?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well before using.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the heat, use only half a jalapeño or omit it entirely. You can also skip the cayenne pepper.

Spicy Maple Baked Beans Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This will give the beans a long, slow bake, allowing flavors to meld seamlessly. Rinse your navy beans thoroughly, then place them in a large pot with six cups of water. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour. You want the beans tender but not falling apart. Once done, drain and set them aside.

Next, grab a large oven-safe skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the onion, cooking until it's translucent — this should take around five minutes. Add the garlic and jalapeño, giving them another two minutes to soften and release their flavors.

Now for the flavor bomb: stir in the maple syrup, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Let this mixture cook for about three minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

Introduce your cooked beans to the skillet, mixing until they're well-coated with the spicy-sweet sauce. Cover the skillet and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for one hour, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.

Once the hour is up, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the beans cool slightly before serving them warm, letting the flavors shine through.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
  • Uses wholesome, pantry-friendly ingredients.
  • Easy to make, with most of the time spent in the oven.
  • Great for potlucks, barbecues, or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

2 cups dry navy beans
6 cups water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large pot, bring the beans and water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour until beans are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic and jalapeño, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Stir in maple syrup, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, allowing flavors to combine.
6. Add the cooked beans to the skillet and mix well.
7. Cover the skillet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, stirring halfway through cooking.
8. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.

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